Electronic rotor runout foam for indicators

ABSTRACT

A system is disclosed for storing, organizing and protecting from shock movable electronic equipment, and cables used to electronically test runout on a turbine&#39;s rotor. Each piece of electronic equipment used in the electronic runout measurement is stored in a designated area in a mobile toolbox within an insert. The inserts serve to secure the equipment from excessive movement and shock when the toolbox is moved. Preferably, the inserts are custom foam cutouts, which are machined to fit the electronic tools and computer comprising the electronic equipment used for the electronic runout measurements. The thickness of the foam is adjusted according to the particular drawer in the toolbox in which the foam is inserted for purposes of storing the electronic equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to turbines, and more particularly to a system for organizing, storing, and protecting from shock electronic equipment and cables used to electronically test runout on a turbine's rotor.

Radial and axial measurements of runout on rotors for turbine rotors are important. The rotating parts of a rotor form the spinning core of the power generation unit. The rotational accuracy of the rotor is critical to its performance. A lack of accuracy can lead to premature wear and possibly failure.

One way that the radial and axial accuracy of runout on rotors is measured is through the use of electronic measuring equipment in which electronic dial indicators are connected to electronic displays and a computer to provide such measurements. In operation, the electronic dial indicator(s) are connected to a multiplexer, which then displays the indicators measurements on an electronic display, while simultaneously sending the measurement to a computer. The computer and displays are connected together via a plurality of cables.

The electronic solution to measuring rotor runout provides more accurate measurements; however, it also presents a challenge of portability and organization, since the rotors being measured are too large to keep the indicators and computer in one place during a measurement. In addition, most repair centers have multiple lathes, in which the rotors rest while being measured, and the user needs the ability to easily move the equipment from one lathe to another. In addition, the equipment is also taken from a repair center to a customer site. Due to the many electronic components involved, a user can have difficulty organizing the equipment components. Moreover, there is a risk of damaging the electronic equipment when it is moved from one area to another. Typically, the equipment is placed inside the shelves of a mobile toolbox. The toolbox is pushed around an industrial environment on an uneven cement floor or placed on a truck to be taken to another location, causing the toolbox to bounce around. This rough movement creates a high risk of damaging the electronic equipment, and presents a disorganized appearance of the equipment used for performing the electronic measurements of rotor runout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a system for storing, organizing, and protecting from shock movable electronic equipment and cables used to electronically test runout on a turbine rotor. According to the present invention, the electronic equipment used in the electronic runout measurement is stored in a mobile toolbox that is fitted with inserts for storing the equipment. Each piece of equipment is stored in its own designated area within an insert, which also serves to secure the equipment from excessive movement and shock when the toolbox is moved. Preferably, the inserts are custom foam cutouts, made from of black, expanded polyethylene (“EPE”), beaded material, which are machined to fit the electronic tools, computer, and cables comprising the electronic runout measuring equipment. The thickness of the foam is adjusted according to the particular drawer in the toolbox in which the foam is inserted for purposes of storing electronic components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are different perspective views of an electronic dial indicator used to measure the radial and axial accuracy of runout on rotors.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a turbine rotor and an electronic dial indicator mounted on a stand for measuring the radial and axial accuracy of the rotor's runout.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of electronic displays and a computer for displaying and analyzing measurements of radial and axial runout on rotors provided by electronic dial indicators.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a mobile toolbox in which the electronic components used to perform electronic runout measurements are stored in special foam inserts.

FIG. 5 is a plan/perspective view of a first insert for storing a plurality of data cables and electronic dial indicators used to perform the electronic runout measurement.

FIG. 6 is a plan/perspective view of a second insert containing quadrilateral cutouts for storing a multiplexer and a plurality of electronic displays used in performing the electronic runout measurement.

FIG. 7 is a plan/perspective view of a third insert containing further quadrilateral cutouts for storing a laptop computer, a power strip and a plurality of cables and devices used with the laptop computer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a system for storing, organizing and protecting from shock movable electronic equipment and cables used to electronically test runout on turbine rotors.

FIG. 1 shows the electronic dial indicator 10 used for electronically measuring runout. Referring first to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there is shown two different perspective views of an electronic dial indicator 10 that is used to measure rotor runout. Indicator 10 includes a probe 12 that engages the axial or radial surface of a rotor 14 as it rotates. FIG. 2 shows an indicator being used to perform a radial measurement on a rotor. As shown in FIG. 2, for this purpose, electronic dial indicator 10 is mounted on a stand 11 and positioned along side the rotor 14. Dial indicator 10 includes a button 16 for adjusting the tension of probe 12 and thus its sensitivity to variations on the surface of rotor 14 on which probe 12 rides when a measurement is being taken. FIG. 3 shows the displays and computer where the measurements are displayed and recorded. Dial indicator 10 also includes a cable 18 for connecting indicator 10 to an electronic display 20. In practice, a plurality of dial indicators 10 would be used to measure both the axial and the radial runout of a turbine's rotor. FIG. 4 shows the mobile toolbox in which all the equipment is stored.

As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of electronic displays 20 are typically mounted on a two-tiered rack 22, which, in turn, rests on the top surface 24 of a movable toolbox 26. Electronic displays 20 are connected to the electronic dial indicators 10 through corresponding cables 18. Also positioned on the top surface 24 of toolbox 26 is a laptop computer 28 to which the electronic displays 20 are connected through a multiplexer 30, which is not visible in FIG. 3, but which is shown on FIG. 6. Computer 28 is used to analyze the runout data collected by electronic dial indicators 10 and displayed by electronic displays 20.

Referring now to FIG. 4, movable toolbox 26 includes three drawers 27, 28 and 29 for storing the electronic equipment shown in FIGS. 1-3 for performing electronic measurements of rotor runout. Toolbox 26 includes a lower storage compartment which is enclosed by a panel 30 that can be lifted into a stowaway location within toolbox 26 when access to the lower storage compartment is desired. Thus, for example, two-tiered rack 22 on which electronic displays 20 are mounted when in use can be stored in the lower storage compartment of toolbox 26. Toolbox 26 also includes a plurality of castor-type wheels 32 which allow toolbox 26 to be moved to various locations.

Radial and axial measurements of rotor runout for rotors is important because the rotational accuracy of the rotor is critical to the performance of the turbine. The electronic equipment provides more accurate measurements of rotor runout. However, such equipment also presents the challenges of organization and portability. The large number of electronic components requires appropriate storage space to keep them organized for easy access. There is also a risk of damaging the electronic equipment when trying to move such equipment from one location to another. Even though the electronic equipment is placed inside the drawers and storage compartment of the mobile toolbox 26, because toolbox 26 is moved around in a truck, or within an industrial environment often containing an uneven cement floor, the toolbox is caused to bounce around as it is moved. This rough movement creates a high risk of damaging the electronic equipment.

In the present invention, each piece of electronic equipment used in the electronic runout measurement is stored in a designated area in mobile toolbox 26, which is fitted with an insert for storing the equipment designated for such area. Preferably, the inserts are custom foam cutouts made from black, expanded polyethylene (“EPE”), beaded material which are machined to fit the electronic indicators, displays and computer comprising the electronic runout measuring equipment. Preferably, the thickness of the foam is adjusted according to the particular drawer in toolbox 26 in which the foam is inserted for purposes of storing the electronic components.

FIG. 5 shows a first inset 34 inserted in the top drawer 27 of toolbox 26. Insert 34 is preferably made from EPE foam and includes a plurality of substantially circular cutouts 36, which are machined into insert 34. Each of the circular cutouts 36 is shaped and sized for storing a corresponding one of a plurality of data cables 38 that has been coiled for storage within such cutout 36. The data cables 38 are used to connect the electronic displays 20 to the multiplexer 30 and to the computer 28.

Insert 34 also includes an additional plurality of cutouts 40 for storing the plurality of dial indicators 10 and their corresponding cables 18. Here again, each of cutouts 40 is shaped and sized for storing a dial indicator 10 and its corresponding cable 18 that has been coiled around indicator 10 for storage. As shown in FIG. 5, cutouts 40 are shaped in a form that is designed to specifically accommodate the overall shape of an electronic indicator 10, its probe 12 and its tension adjustment button 16. For this purpose, cutout 40 can include a substantially circular portion 44 shaped and sized to accommodate the circular body 45 of each electronic dial indicator 10. Cutout 40 can also include a first extension 46 off of circular portion 44 sized and shaped to accommodate a probe 12 of an electronic dial indicator 10 and a second extension 48 diagonally opposite extension 46 sized and shaped to accommodate the tension adjustment button 16 of electronic dial indicator 10. Finally, cutout 40 can include a semicircular cutout 50 protruding to the side of circular portion 44 which allows the insertion of a technician's finger into cutout 50 for easy access to dial indicator 10 so as to lift it from insert 40. When dial indicator 10 is stored in cutout 40, as shown in FIG. 5, its corresponding cable 18 is coiled and stored above indicator 10 in cutout 40.

Referring now to FIG. 6, shown in FIG. 6 is a second foam insert 52, which is inserted into the middle drawer 28 of toolbox 26. Like insert 27, preferably insert 52 is again made from EPE foam. Insert 52 also includes a plurality of first quadrilateral cutouts 54 machined in it for storing a plurality of electronic displays 20. Each of the cutouts 54 is substantially square in form and shaped and sized for storing up to four electronic displays 20 on the outer quadrants of insert 27.

Insert 52 also includes a second quadrilateral cutout 56 machined in it that is substantially rectangular in form and shaped and sized for storing multiplexer 30 and a plurality of power cables 75 connected to the multiplexer 30 and the plurality of electronic displays 20. Here again, cutout 56 is shaped and sized for storing the plurality of cables 75 that have been bundled for storage within cutout 56. Each of the cutouts 54 is joined to cutout 56 by a cutout channel 58, whereby each of the cutouts 54 is in communication with cutout 56. Each of the cutout channels 58 facilitates the extension of a power cord 75 from its corresponding electronic display 20 to the storage area formed by cutout 56. The power cords 75 are attached to the displays 20 and cannot be removed. Thus, the cutouts 54 are designed to be flexible to allow the cords 75 to navigate their way to the middle cutout 56 in insert 52. The attached cords 75 present a geometric challenge in that they cannot be stored in the same direction. The design of insert 52 allows the displays 20 to be stored upside down and right side up, as necessary, to allow all of the components, i.e., the displays 20, multiplexer 30 and power cords 75, to fit the footprint of insert 52.

FIG. 7 shows a third insert 60 that is inserted into the third drawer 29 of toolbox 26. Preferably, insert 60 is made from foam like inserts 34 and 52. Insert 60 includes a third quadrilateral cutout 62 machined in it that is shaped and sized for storing laptop computer 28 and certain computer components, such as the computer power cord, the power cord of surge suppressor 70 and a spare disk drive 66 capable of being alternatively inserted within laptop computer 28.

Insert 60 also includes a fourth quadrilateral cutout 68 machined in it that is shaped and sized for storing a surge suppressor 70 used to provide electrical power protection to computer 28, multiplexer 30, and electronic displays 20.

Finally, insert 60 includes a fifth quadrilateral cutout 72 machined in it that is shaped and sized for storing a plurality of cables and devices 74 used with computer 28, such as mouse 73 shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the computer 28 power cord 71, and the serial cable 69 that provides the communication from the multiplexer 30 to the computer 28. Cutouts 62 and 72 are joined by a cutout channel 76 extending between cutouts 62 and 72, whereby such cutouts are in communication with one another and cables connected to laptop computer 28 can extend from computer 28 to cutout 72 without being disconnected from computer 28. Preferably, each of the cutouts 62, 68 and 72 is substantially rectangular in form.

By each piece of electronic equipment used in the electronic runout measurement being stored in the designated area of mobile toolbox 26 within inserts with custom cutouts machined to fit the electronic tools, computer, and cables comprising the electronic equipment, such equipment is secured from excessive movement and shock when toolbox 26 is moved. The foam inserts and cutouts also facilitate the orderly storage of the electronic equipment for ease of retrieval by a technician using the electronic equipment. By being located in a designated position every time, the technician understands that a particular piece of equipment that he wishes to access will be located every time in a designated location within toolbox 26. The result is a system for storing, organizing, moving and protecting from shock the electronic equipment and cables used to electronically test runout on a turbines rotor.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. A system for storing, organizing, and protecting from shock movable equipment and cables used to electronically test runout on a turbine's rotor, the system comprising: a portable toolbox including a plurality of drawers, and a plurality of inserts corresponding to said plurality of drawers, each of said inserts being inserted into one of said drawers and being formed from a material capable of absorbing shock forces resulting from said toolbox being moved around, a first of said plurality of inserts containing: a plurality of substantially circular cutouts for storing a corresponding plurality of data cables, each of said substantially circular cutouts being shaped and sized for storing a corresponding one of said data cables that has been coiled for storage, and a plurality of cutouts for storing a corresponding plurality of dial indicators having an attached cable, each of said indicator cutouts being shaped and sized for storing a corresponding one of said dial indicators with a corresponding one of said attached cables being coiled around said indicator for storage, a second of said plurality of inserts containing: a plurality of first quadrilateral cutouts for storing a plurality of displays, each of said first quadrilateral shaped cutouts being shaped and sized for storing a corresponding one of said displays, and a second quadrilateral cutout shaped and sized for storing a multiplexer and a plurality of power cords connected to said multiplexer and said plurality of displays, each of said first quadrilateral cutouts being in communication with said second quadrilateral cutout, whereby said plurality of power cords can be extended from said plurality of displays to said second quadrilateral cutout for storage, and a third of said plurality of inserts containing: a third quadrilateral cutout shaped and sized for storing a laptop computer, a fourth quadrilateral cutout shaped and sized for storing a surge suppressor, and a fifth quadrilateral cutout shaped and sized for storing a plurality of cables and devices used with said laptop computer, said fifth quadrilateral cutout being in communication with said third quadrilateral cutout, whereby cables connected to said laptop computer can extend from said laptop computer to said fifth quadrilateral cutout.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first, second and third inserts are made from foam.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the foam is expanded polyethylene (“EPE”), beaded material.
 4. The system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of first channel cutouts, each of said first channel cutouts joining a corresponding one of said plurality of first quadrilateral cutouts to said second quadrilateral cutout so that each of said first quadrilateral cutouts is in communication with said second quadrilateral cutout.
 5. The system of claim 1 further comprising a second cutout channel joining said fifth quadrilateral cutout to said third quadrilateral cutout so that said fifth quadrilateral cutout is in communication with said third quadrilateral cutout.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the positioning of said plurality of first quadrilateral cutouts and said second quadrilateral cutout within said second insert and the joining of said plurality of first quadrilateral cutouts to said second quadrilateral cutout by said plurality of first channel cutouts allows the plurality of displays to be stored upside down and right side up, as necessary, within said second insert to allow the power cords to be extended from said plurality of displays to said second quadrilateral cutout for storage.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of indicator cutouts is shaped substantially in the form of one of said electronic dial indicators.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein each of said plurality of indicator cutouts includes a substantially circular portion that is shaped and sized to accommodate the circular body of said electronic dial indicator.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein each of said plurality of indicator cutouts further includes a first extension off of said circular portion that is sized and shaped to accommodate said electronic dial indicator's probe and a second extension diagonally opposite said first extension that is sized and shaped to accommodate said electronic dial indicator's tension adjustment button.
 10. The system of claim 10, wherein each of said plurality of indicator cutouts further includes a semicircular cutout protruding to the side of said circular portion to allow easy access to said dial indicator for lifting it from said indicator cutout.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the thickness of each of the inserts is adjusted according to the depth of the particular drawer in the toolbox in which the insert is inserted.
 12. A system for storing, organizing and protecting from shock movable equipment and cables used to electronically test runout on a turbine's rotor, the system comprising: a portable toolbox including a plurality of drawers, and a plurality of inserts corresponding to said plurality of drawers, each of said inserts being inserted into one of said drawers and being formed from a material capable of absorbing shock forces resulting from said toolbox being moved around, a first of said plurality of inserts containing: a first plurality of cutouts for holding a plurality of cables, each of said first plurality of cutouts being shaped and sized for holding a corresponding one of said cables that has been coiled for storage, and a second plurality of cutouts for holding a plurality of dial indicators having an attached cable, each of said second plurality of cutouts being shaped and sized for holding a corresponding one of said dial indicators with a corresponding one of said attached cables being coiled around said indicator for storage, a second of said plurality of inserts containing: a third plurality of cutouts for holding a plurality of displays, each of said third plurality of cutouts being shaped and sized for holding a corresponding one of said displays, and a fourth cutout shaped and sized for holding a multiplexer and a plurality of cables connected to said multiplexer and said plurality of displays, each of said third plurality of cutouts being in communication with said fourth cutout, whereby said plurality of cables can be extended from said plurality of displays to said fourth cutout for holding, and a third of said plurality of inserts containing: a fifth cutout shaped and sized for holding a laptop computer, a sixth cutout shaped and sized for holding a surge suppressor, and a seventh cutout shaped and sized for holding a plurality of cables and devices used with said laptop computer, said seventh cutout being in communication with said fifth cutout, whereby cables connected to said laptop computer can extend from said laptop computer to said seventh cutout.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein each of said plurality of first cutouts is substantially circular in form.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein each of said pluralities of third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh cutouts is substantially quadrilateral in form.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein each of said plurality of third cutouts is substantially square in form.
 16. The system of claim 14, wherein each of said pluralities of fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh cutouts is substantially rectangular in form.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein each of said indicator cutouts is shaped substantially in the form of one of said electronic dial indicators.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein each of said plurality of indicator cutouts includes: a substantially circular portion that is shaped and sized to accommodate said electronic dial indicator's circular body, a first extension off of said circular portion that is sized and shaped to accommodate said electronic dial indicator's probe, a second extension off of said circular portion and opposite said first extension that is sized and shaped to accommodate said electronic dial indicator's tensioning button, and a semicircular cutout protruding to the side of said circular portion to allow easy access to said dial indicator for lifting it from said indicator cutout.
 19. A system for storing, organizing and protecting from shock movable equipment and cables used to electronically test runout on a turbine's rotor, the system comprising: a portable toolbox including a plurality of drawers, and a plurality of foam inserts corresponding to said plurality of drawers, each of said inserts being inserted into one of said drawers and being formed from a material capable of absorbing shock forces resulting from said toolbox being moved around, a first of said plurality of inserts containing: a plurality of substantially circular cutouts for storing a corresponding plurality of data cables, each of said substantially circular cutouts being shaped and sized for storing a corresponding one of said data cables that has been coiled for storage, and a plurality of cutouts for storing a corresponding plurality of dial indicators having an attached cable, each of said indicator cutouts being shaped and sized for storing a corresponding one of said dial indicators with a corresponding one of said attached cables being coiled around said indicator for storage, a second of said plurality of inserts containing: a plurality of first quadrilateral cutouts for storing a plurality of displays, each of said first quadrilateral shaped cutouts being shaped and sized for storing a corresponding one of said displays, a second quadrilateral cutout shaped and sized for storing a multiplexer and a plurality of power cords connected to said multiplexer and said plurality of displays, and a plurality of first channel cutouts joining a corresponding one of said plurality of first quadrilateral cutouts to said second quadrilateral cutout so that each of said first quadrilateral cutouts is in communication with said second quadrilateral cutout, whereby said plurality of power cords can be extended from said plurality of displays to said second quadrilateral cutout for storage, and a third of said plurality of inserts containing: a third quadrilateral cutout shaped and sized for storing a laptop computer, a fourth quadrilateral cutout shaped and sized for storing a surge suppressor, a fifth quadrilateral cutout shaped and sized for storing a plurality of cables and devices used with said laptop computer, and a second cutout channel joining said fifth quadrilateral cutout to said third quadrilateral cutout so that said fifth quadrilateral cutout is in communication with said third quadrilateral cutouts, whereby cables connected to said laptop computer in said third quadrilateral cutout can extend from said laptop computer to said fifth quadrilateral cutout.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the foam is expanded polyethylene (“EPE”), beaded material.
 21. The system of claim 19, wherein the thickness of the foam is adjusted according to the depth of the particular drawer in the toolbox in which the foam is inserted.
 22. The system of claim 19, wherein the positioning of said plurality of first quadrilateral cutouts and said second quadrilateral cutout within said second insert and the joining of said plurality of first quadrilateral cutouts to said second quadrilateral cutout by said plurality of first channel cutouts allows the plurality of displays to be stored upside down and right side up, as necessary, within said second insert to allow the power cords to be extended from said plurality of displays to said second quadrilateral cutout for storage. 